Remote Services are allowed in some situations for service codes 116. 117, 805, 612, 613. 615. 616, and 620.
116 and 805 rates are reimbursed based on in person delivery using either a rate for services in a child’s home or community, or rates for services delivered in a clinic or facility setting
For any services delivered on an as-needed basis, the service must be paid using the vendor’s authorized rate. This should not exceed more than 25% of scheduled visits in each quarter.
For any remote service provided on a regular basis the service must be paid under the clinic based rate and subcode.
612 and related service codes are all at the same rate, but still need to be documented as remote
If you are found to be providing remote services and it is not documented on the IFSP/ IPP and in the billing records, this may be an audit finding and will lead to a corrective action and/ or reimbursement plan.
Some other service codes outside of Early Start and Behavior Services are also included. If you are not sure if your service is included, please contact your resource coordinator for that service or review the below directives.
D-2025 Community Services Remote Directive
July 2021 Trailer Bill AB 136 Language
Requirements for Remote Services include:
Services must be family/ client driven. This means that they must be provided a choice between in person and remote. A provider may not require the family to meet remotely or only offer remote options. This includes initial assessments as well as ongoing services.
If the service is to be ongoing remote, please notify the SC PRIOR to service start
All requested ongoing remote services need to be documented on the IFSP prior to service start
All ongoing remote services for 116 and 805 need to have a separate POS entered prior to service start
As a reminder ongoing, ANY requested changes to POS or service implementation, including location, service addition or removal, staffing level/ subcode change, or hours provided need to be communicated to the Service Coordinator and confirmed with provider in advance of the change so the IFSP can be updated and a new POS placed.
Remote services should be a full session, with family and child included. They should not be a short call, email, or homework packet.
Family and provider should be in the service area. Remote services should not be provided while either party is out of state, on vacation, etc.
Providers now need to indicate the provision of remote services on their billing invoice submissions. Please review the directive for details. G-2026 Tracking the Provision of Remote Services
All remote services, including ongoing and as needed, will need to be reported in your billing portal monthly once DDS has this feature enabled
You should, effective immediately, be internally tracking if services are remote, in home, or in another location. In the event of an audit, this documentation will be requested